Open Data

Although it may seem simple for state and local governments to release data sets to the public, turning these massive collections of data into a meaningful tool for collaboration between citizens and government is easier said than done.

The rise of open data has seen many agencies hopping on the bandwagon and working towards open data policies. However, there is still frequently confusion over how an agency can best utilize their data to meet both internal and public needs.

We have the opportunity to actually transform both how government agencies use data to analyze performance and inform policy decisions, and for American citizens to have stronger evidence that holds their government accountable for the way it spends money.

The road to open federal spending data has been a long one. And progress is still being made. GovLoop talked to Hudson Hollister, Executive Director at the Data Coalition, about agency implementation and the upcoming DATA Act Summit on May 26 in Washington, DC.

Unless we address the following two things about open data openly and aggressively we will fail — again: (1) how does making open data relate to (or support) the goals and objectives of the government programs that generate the data, and (2) how much will open data cost and who will pay?

Government is increasingly riding the digital transformation wave with the adoption of sophisticated technology solutions that provide enhanced customer engagement, improved efficiency and lower costs.

On April 13, key Congressional oversight leaders gathered to check on the health of the DATA Act. Their prognosis? Good, but not out of the woods yet. The joint oversight hearing brought officials from the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Treasury Department, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and… Read more »